Tarrus Riley

Tarrus Riley

Tarrus Riley is a reggae singer and songwriter from the Bronx, Jamaica. Born Omar Riley in 1979, he grows up in South Florida after spending his early years around music studios and travelling with his father, singer Jimmy Riley. His mother is nurse Lavern Tatham-Riley.

Early career

Riley begins his musical career as a deejay and works with Busta Rhymes. He takes his birth sign as his stage name on his mother’s suggestion, first using the spelling Taurus before changing it to Tarrus. His first singles appear on his father’s Love & Promotion label. Dean Fraser guides his early career, plays in his band, and produces much of his work.

Albums and songs

Riley releases three albums: Challenges in 2004, Parables in 2006 and Contagious in 2009. Parables brings his commercial breakthrough, led by the Jamaican number one single “She’s Royal”. Contagious includes guest appearances from Damian Marley, Vybz Kartel, Etana, Konshens, Demarco and Duane Stephenson.

Style and recognition

He is known for songwriting that combines intelligence, emotional depth and spiritual feeling, and for a vocal style that is calm and expressive. His work is described as bold, passionate and authentic. Riley receives the Reggae Runnins Caribbean Heritage Award at the 2009 HOT 105 FM Caribbean-American Heritage Awards and is nominated in the Best Reggae category at the 2009 MOBO Awards. He is associated with Akilah Joy Music and works in reggae and dancehall, with roots reggae and lovers rock also linked to his music.